Aucamp Welcomes R170M Investment in Sandy Point Harbour Fishmeal Plant

The facility, which produces a range of fish products for both local and export markets, was inaugurated on Thursday and is expected to play a critical role in strengthening the small pelagic value chain.

Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Willie Aucamp has welcomed the over R170 million investment by the African Pioneer Group in the Sandy Point Harbour fishmeal plant at St Helena Bay, describing it as a strategic boost to South Africa’s fishing industry and oceans economy.

The facility, which produces a range of fish products for both local and export markets, was inaugurated on Thursday and is expected to play a critical role in strengthening the small pelagic value chain.

“This facility is far more than an expansion of processing capacity. It is a strategic intervention that strengthens domestic beneficiation, enhances operational efficiency, and positions South Africa to extract greater economic value from each tonne of fish harvested,” the Minister said.

He emphasised that the investment strengthens local economic opportunities without increasing pressure on marine resources, and aligns with the objectives of South Africa’s Oceans Economy Master Plan and the country’s broader industrial policy framework.

Supporting Industrialisation and Coastal Development

Addressing stakeholders at the inauguration, Aucamp said the investment directly supports industrialisation, localisation, job creation, and the sustainable utilisation of marine living resources, particularly in a priority coastal node on the West Coast.

“The more than R170 million invested through this facility contributes directly to sustainable industrial growth. It reflects the partnership we seek between government, science and industry—one that respects ecological limits, upholds the rule of law, and unlocks inclusive economic opportunity,” he said.

Small Pelagic Sector Critical but Climate-Sensitive

The Minister highlighted that the small pelagic sector remains a cornerstone of coastal employment, food security, animal feed supply chains, and export earnings, especially for West Coast communities. However, he cautioned that the sector is highly sensitive to environmental variability and climate-driven changes.

“Recent scientific assessments have confirmed significant fluctuations in biomass and recruitment, including record-low anchovy recruitment in 2025 and persistently low—though cautiously improving—sardine population levels,” Aucamp said.

Diversification Key to Sector Resilience

He noted that scientific advice in recent years has underscored the importance of diversifying fishing effort towards more abundant stocks, particularly round herring, which has shown strong biomass performance.

“This species now plays a critical buffering role in maintaining throughput in the pelagic sector during periods when sardine and anchovy stocks are constrained,” the Minister said.

He added that investments such as the Sandy Point fishmeal plant enhance sector resilience by enabling efficient processing of a broader mix of species, reducing waste, improving turnaround times, and stabilising supply to downstream industries.

The Minister described the facility as a symbol of investment in people, communities, and the future of South Africa’s fishing industry, reinforcing the country’s commitment to sustainable growth within ecological limits.